Somali president announces candidacy for second term

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has formally announced his candidacy for a second term in the presidential elections due on 15 May.

He said he was pursuing a second term in “response to the Somali people’s call” and to continue a “path of progress and development”.

His first-term mandate constitutional mandate ended in February last year but he stayed on amid a delay in the holding of parliamentary elections.

In Somalia, MPs are chosen by delegates appointed by clan elders and members of civil society selected by regional state officials.

The MPs then vote for a president, who leads the country.

Mr Farmajo faces stiff competition from several candidates including two former presidents.